Power washing centrifugal separator and spring actuated metering valve therefor



June 21, 1955 w. H. HARSTICK 2,711,283

POWER WASHING CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATOR AND SPRING ACTUATED METERING VALVE THEREFOR Filed Sept. 16, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY United States Patent- POWER WASHING CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATOR AND SPRING ACTUATED METERING VALVE THEREFOR William H. Harstick, Oak Park, 111., assignor to international Harvester Company, a corporation of New Jersey Application September 16, 1953, Serial No. 380,518

11 Claims. (Cl. 233-19) This invention relates to a centrifugal separator and particularly to a type of separator used for separating whole milk. More specifically this invention relates to a power washing separator having an improved metering valve mechanism for controlling the flow of liquid from a supply can to a separating bowl.

In applicants Patent 2,504,261 patented April 18, 1950, a power washing cream separator is disclosed. In general a power washing cream separator consists of a separating bowl having a peripheral discharge opening and a discharge valve for controlling the discharge of washing liquid through said discharge opening. The separator, after the milk separating operation has been completed, is subjected to a washing liquid which is flushed through the discharge opening for efiiciently cleansing the separating bowl and associated tinware structure. During the separating operation the power washing cream separator supply can is provided with a metering valve for directing a constant quantity of whole milk to the separator during the lowering of the liquid level within the supply can. The conventional metering valve is actuated by a float and the valveprogressively opens the milk feed opening to provide a greater opening for the escape of liquid thus compensating for the decreased pressure head resulting from, a lowering of the liquid level within the supply can. it is aprime object of this invention to provide an improved metering valve assembly that is effective for controlling the supply of whole milk to a separating bowl and is also effective to direct the flow of washing liquid to the separating bowl for cleansing the same after the separating operation has been completed. 1 7

It is a further object of this invention to provide a metering valve assembly for centrifugal separators, the

metering valve assembly including afloat which is adapted to move in response to the lowering of the liquid level within the supply can for moving a metering valve relative to a milk feed opening, thereby controlling the flow of liquid through said opening. 7

Still another object of this invention is to provide an eificient and effective float type metering valve assembly, the float being effective to move a relatively short distance during the lowering of the liquid level within the supply. can from a full to an emptied condition whereby a metering valve may bemoved relative to a milk feed passage to provide a constant flow of liquid despite the lower head pressure resulting from the lowering of the liquid level within the supply can. A

A still more specific object is to provide a metering valve assembly for centrifugal separators, the assembly including a support which is adapted to guide a vertically movable float, the float including a metering valve movable with said float and adapted to move relative toa milk feed tube for controlling the flow of liquid through said tube, the float also having a predetermined buoyancy and being assisted by a calibrated spring so .thatthe float can move a predetermined distance during a lowering of the liquid level within the supply can.

2 These and further objects will become more readily apparent from a reading of the specification when examined in connection with the accompanying sheets of drawings.

In the drawings: i Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a power washing cream separator and a metering valve assembly, the view having certain portions broken away to show pertinent portions of the invention; A

Figure 2 is an enlarged elevational view in section showing a metering valve and portions of a centrifugal separator in an operating position;

Figure 3 is an elevational view in section of a metering valve assembly and portions of a centrifugal separator, similar to Figure 2, showing another operating position of the invention;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a metering valve assembly; and,

of a metering valve assembly.

Referring now particularly to Figure l acream separator is generally designated by the reference character 1%). The cream separator 10 comprises a separating bowl 111 having therein a disk pack 12 which is provided with a centrally disposed vertical receiving space 13. A distributor 14 is in communication with the receiving space 13 for distributing whole milk for separation between the separating disks of the disk pack 12. A cream outlet 15 is in communication with the receiving space 13 and a skim milk outlet 16 is adapted to discharge skim milk motor (not shown). A supply can is designated at 23,

this supply can 23 being suitably mounted on the tinware structure 19 as indicated. The supply can 23 is provided with a discharge outlet 24.

A metering valve assembly is generallydesignated by the reference character 25. The valve assembly 25 in cludes a milk feed tube 26 which is supported in telescoping relation within the discharge tube 24. The milk feed tube 26 includes a downwardly. extending projecting portion or tube 27; of lesser cross-sectional diameter than the inner diameter of the discharge outlet 24. As indi-' cated in Figure 2, wherein the milk feed tube 26 is partially axially displaced .from the discharge tube 24, the projecting portion 27 forms with the discharge tube 24- a washing liquid discharge passage, 28 and a milk feed passage 29. The milk feed26 also includes at its upper end a sealing enlargement or shoulder portion 3d, which as best indicated in Figure 3, engages the upper end of the dischargetube 24 to suitably seal the discharge passage 28. n I a A- support, generally designated at 31, includes'a pair of laterally spaced upright supporting members'32 which are connected at their lower ends to. the milk feed. tube 26. The upper ends of the supporting members 32 are connected by means of a laterally extending strap '33 seat 39 is provided on the milk feed tube 26 at the upper end of the m1lk feed passage 1The valve seat 39, as

Patented June 21, 1955 Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of portions indicated, may consist of a rubber or resilient material and includes an opening 40 having an annular tapered surface 41. A metering member is designated at 42, and is connected to the sealing element 37. The metering member 42 includes a relatively narrow annular portion 43 and an annular tapering metering surface 44. The metering surface 44 is tapered or sloping as indicated. In other words, the metering member 42 has a progressively less cross-sectional dimension at certain longitudinally adjacent portions thereof when compared with respect to the opening 40 of the valve seat 39. The upper end of the float 36 is connected to a guide or stem 45 which slides relatively vertically within the bore 35 of the sleeve 34. At its upper end the guide 45 is provided with a threaded portion 46 on which a threaded handle or adjusting member 47 is positioned.

A washer 48 is positioned adjacent the lowermost end of the handle 47. A spring 49 encircles the stem 45 and is held captive between the sleeve 34 and the washer 48. The float 36 is also provided with a vertically extending lock pin 50 which is laterally spaced with respect to the stem 45.

During the separating operation it is intended that a constant quantity of whole milk is directed to the passage 29 of the feed tube 26 and to the space 13 of the disk pack 12. This amount so delivered must remain constant despite the lowering of the pressure head attendant the lowering of the liquid level within the supply can 23. When the supply can 23 is full the float 36 is turned so that the lock pin 50 moves to the dotted line position shown in Figure 4 whereupon the float 36 is free to move upwardly until it engages the lower end of the sleeve 34. In this uppermost position the metering surface 44 has moved upwardly relative to the opening 40 of the valve seat 39 so that only a small opening is present through which the whole milk flows. As the liquid level within the supply can is lowered the float 36 also of course moves downwardly and the metering member 42 is moved relative to the opening 40. In the solid line position of the metering member 42, as indicated in Figure 3, the opening 40 has been opened to its largest extent thus accommodating the decreased pressure head in the supply can which results from the lowering of the liquid level. Thus the opening 49 is suitably controlled by the metering surface 44 to permit a steady and constant stream of liquid to enter into the separating bowl 11.

It can be appreciated that only a relative small vertical movement of the metering member 42 takes place, this small movement accommodating the complete emptying of the supply can 23 from a completely full position. The float 36 therefore must be constructed so that only a small relative movement takes place during the complete range from full to empty. In order to secure such a relatively small range of vertical movement the float 36 is constructed to have only a slight or very little buoyancy. To assist or help the float 36 to move vertically during the entrance of liquid into the supply can 23 the spring 49 is employed. The tension of the spring 49 can of course be adjusted by simply rotating the handle member 47 on the threaded portion 46 of the stem 45. The spring 49 constantly urges the float 36 in an upward direction and thus it may be stated that it assists the buoyancy of the float. The tension of the spring 49 is so adjusted by means of the handle member 47, that during a full condition of the supply can 23, the float is moved vertically only a relatively short distance until it engages the lower end of the sleeve 35. This range of movement is sufiicient to properly control the flow of liquid through the milk feed passage 29 during the complete emptying of the supply can 23. Thus the spring 49 is effective to urge the float 36 upwardly and thus the degree of move ment of the float 36 can be carefully predetermined so that the desired vertical movement of the metering member is obtained. It can be appreciated that the float 36 might not have any inherent buoyancy but may remain 4 l in the down position even though the supply can 23 may be full. However, by employing the spring 49, the spring can so be set that in the full position it will help urge the float 36 upwardly within a desired degree of travel to effectuate proper metering of the metering member 44.

When it is desired to close the passage 29 against the entrance of liquid from the supply can 23 the operator merely moves the float to the position indicated in Figure l whereupon the tapered surface 41 engages the valve seat 39 in scaling relation. The operator now turns the handle 47 to the full line position indicated in Figure 4 and the lock pin 50 is moved underneath the strap 33, the spring 49 being compressed and the position being maintained as long as desired. To release the sealing element 37 from the closed position the operator merely moves the handle 47 to the dotted line position indicated in Figure 4, whereupon the float 36 is again movable vertically in response to the liquid level within the can 23.

After the separating operation has been completed the operator now desires to direct washing liquid through the passages 28 and 29 to the separating bowl 11. In order to effectuate this the operator merely grasps a hold of the handle 47, moves the lock pin 50 free of the strap 33, and pulls upwardly. The feed tube 26, as indicated in Figure 2, is now partially axially displaced from the discharge tube 24 and liquid may descend from the supply can 23 through the washing liquid discharge passage 28. The metering member 42 as indicated in Figure 2 also has moved vertically relative to the valve seat 39, a suflicient space being maintained between the metering member 42 and the valve seat so that washing liquid can descend through the opening 40 in the desired manner. Thus the metering valve is etfective to permit washing liquid to descend into the interior of the separating bowl.

It can now be seen that an improved metering valve arrangement for centrifugal separators has been described. It must be understood that changes may be made which do not depart from the spirit of the invention as disclosed or the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a power washing cream separator including a supply can, and a discharge tube connected to the can; a metering valve comprising a milk feed tube supported within said discharge tube, said feed tube having a projecting portion of less cross-sectional diameter than the bers, a metering member connected to the lower end of 7 said float, said metering member projecting into said feed tube, a resilient valve seat supported on said feed tube, said valve seat having a round tapered opening in connection with the milk feed passage, a sealing surface on saidmetering member adapted to engage said valve seat for closing said tapered opening, said metering member having an annular tapered metering surface movable axially through said tapered opening for controlling the flow of liquid therethrough, a vertically extending stem connected to said float and projecting upwardly through said strap opening, an enlargement on said stem, a spring on said stem engaging said enlargement for urging said float vertically to supplement the buoyancy of said float and to provide for limited vertical movement of said float and the metering surface relative to the tapered opening during a drop in the liquid level within said supply can, and means for locking said sealing surface in sealing engagement with said valve seat, said means including a vertically extending pinconnected to the upper end of said float, said pin being engageable with the strap during a rotation of the float about its axis whereby the spring is maintained in a compressed position.

2. In a power washing cream separator including a supply can, and a discharge tube connected to the can; a metering valve comprising a milk feed tube supported within said discharge tube, said feed tube having a projecting portion of less cross-sectional diameter than the discharge tube to provide therewith a washing liquid passage and a milk feed passage, means on said feed tubefor closing said washing liquid discharge passage, a support, said support including a pair of laterally spaced upright supporting members connected to saidfeed tube and extending within said supply can, a laterally extending strap connecting the upper ends of said supporting members, said strap having an opening therethrough, a float positioned between said supporting members, a metering member connected to the lower end of said float, said metering member projecting into said feed tube, a valve seat supported on said feed tube, said valve seat having a round tapered opening in communication with the milk feed passage, a sealing surface on said metering member adapted to engage said valve seat for closing said tapered opening, said metering member having a metering surface movable axially through said tapered opening for control ling the flow of liquid therethrough, a vertically extending stern connected to said float and projecting upwardly through said strap opening, a spring engaging said stem for urging said float vertically to supplement the buoyancy of said float and to provide for'limited vertical movement of said float and the metering surface relative to thetapered opening during a drop in the liquid level within said supply can, and means for locking said sealing surface in sealing engagement with said valve seat.

3. In a power washing cream separator including a supply can, and a discharge tube connected to the can; a metering valve comprising a milk feed tube supported within said discharge tube, said feed tube having a projecting portion of less cross-sectional diameter than the discharge tube to provide therewith a washing liquid passage and a milk feed passage, means on said feed tube for closing said washing liquid discharge passage, a support, said support including a pair of laterally spaced upright supporting members connected to said feed tube and extending within said supply can, a laterally, extend ing strap connecting the upper ends of said supporting members, said strap having an opening therethrough, a float positioned between said supporting members, a metering member connected to the lower end of said float, said metering member projecting into said feed tube, a valve seat supported on said feed tube, said valve seat having an opening in communication with the milk feed passage, a sealing surface on said metering member adapted to engage said valve seat for closing said opening, said metering member having a metering surface movable axially through said opening for controlling the flow of liquid therethrough, a stem connected to said float and projecting upwardly through said strap opening, and a spring on said stem for urging said float vertically to supplement the buoyancy of said float and to provide for limited vertical movement of said float and the metering surface relative to the opening during a drop in the liquid level within said supply can, and means for lock? ing said sealing surface in sealing engagementwith said valve seat.

4. In a power washing cream separator including a supply can, and a discharge tube connected to the can; a metering valve comprising a milk feed tube supported within said discharge tube, a support connected to said feed tube, a float movably positioned relative to said support, a metering member connected to the lower end of said float, said metering member projecting into said feed tube, a valve seat supported on said feed tube, a sealing surface on said metering member adapted to engage said valve seat for closing said feed tube, said metering member having an annular tapered metering surface movable relative to said valve seat for controlling the said float and the metering surface relative to the valve seat during a dropin the liquid level within said supply can. 7

5. In a power washing cream separator including a supply can; a metering valve comprising a milk feed tube supported on said can, a support, a float positioned for vertical movement relative to said support, a metering member connected to said float, said metering mem ber projecting into said feed tube, a valve seat supported on said feed tube, said valve seat having an opening, said metering member having an annular tapered metering surface movable axially through said opening for controlling the flow of liquid therethrough, and a spring on said support for urging said float vertically to supplement the buoyancy of said float and to provide for limited vertical movement of. said float and the metering surface relative to the opening during a drop' in the liquid level withinsaid supply can. v

6. In a power washing cream separator including a supply can; a float positioned for relative vertical movement with respect to said supply can, a metering member connected to said float, said metering member projecting into said feed tube, a valve seat on said feed tube, said valve seat having an opening in communication with the feedtube,'said metering member having a metering surface movable axially through said opening for controlling the flow of' liquid therethrough, and spring means in engagement with said float for urging said float vertically to supplement the buoyancy of saidfloat and to provide for limited vertical movement of said float and the metering surface relative to the opening during a drop in the liquid level within said supply can.

7. In a cream separator including a supply can, a separating bowl and a discharge tube; a metering valve comprising a milk feed tube supported on said discharge tube, said milk feed tube projecting into said separating bowl for delivering liquid thereto, a support connected to saidtmilk feed tube and extending upwardly within said can, a metering member, a valve seat within said feed tube, said seat having a valve opening in communication with the feed tube, said metering member including an annular metering surface having portions of progressively less cross-sectional dimension than the diameter of the valve opening and being movable with respect 1 thereto, a float connected to said metering member, a guide member on said support, guide means on said float slidingly engageable with said guide member during vertical movement of said float, spring means in engagement with said float for supplementing the buoyancy of said float by urging said float upwardly, said float being movable vertically during a lowering of the liquid level within said tank for moving said metering surface relative to said valve opening to control the flow of liquid therethrough, and lock means on said float rotatable into engagement with said support for locking said float against vertical movement.

8. In a cream separator including a supply can, a separating bowl and a discharge tube; a metering valve comprising a milk feed tube supported on said discharge I tube,said milk feed tube projecting into said separating bowl for delivering liquid thereto, a support connected;

to said milk feed tube and extending upwardly within said can, a metering member, a valve seat within said feed tube, said seat having a valve opening in communi- I cation with the feed tube, said metering member includ- Y ing a metering surface having portions of progressively less cross-sectionaldimension than the diameter of the valve opening and beingm'ovable with respect thereto, a

float connected to said metering member, a guide member on said support, guide means on said floatslidingly engageable with said guide member during vertical move ment of said float, and spring means engaging said support and said guide means for Supplementing the buoyancy of said float by urging said float upwardly, said float being movable vertically during a lowering of the liquid level within said tank for moving said metering surface relative to said valve opening to control the flow of liquid therethrough.

9. In a cream separator including a supply can; a metering valve comprising a milk feed tube supported on said can and in communication therewith, a support connected to said milk feed tube, a metering member, a valve seat within said feed tube, said seat having a valve opening in communication with the feed tube, said metering member including a metering surface having portions of progressively less cross-sectional dimension than the diameter of the valve opening and being movable with respect thereto, a float connected to said metering member, guide means on said float engaging said support, and spring means engaging said support and said float for supplementing the buoyancy of said float by urging said float upwardly, said float being movable vertically during a lowering of the liquid level within said tank for moving said metering surface relative to said valve opening to control the flow of liquid therethrough.

10. In a cream separator including a supply can; a metering valve comprising a milk feed tube supported on and in communication with said supply can, a metering member, a valve seat within said feed tube, said seat having a valve opening in communication with said feed tube, said metering member including a metering surface movable with respect to said valve opening, a float connected to said metering member, and spring means engaging said float for supplementing the buoyancy of said float by urging said float upwardly, said float being movable vertically during a lowering of the liquid level within said tank for moving said metering surface rel ative to said valve opening to control the flow of liquid therethrough.

11. In a cream separator including a supply can; a metering valve comprising a milk feed tube in communication with said supply can for directing liquid from said can, a metering member, a valve seat on said feed tube, said seat having a valve opening communicating with the feed tube, said metering member including a metering surface movable with respect to said valve seat, a float connected to said metering member, and means engaging said float for supplementing the buoyancy of said float by urging said float upwardly, said float being movable vertically during a lowering of the liquid level within said tank for moving said metering surface relative to said valve opening to control the flow of liquid therethrough.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

